Light Pipe Containing Material

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an article of manufacture for detecting motion that includes a substrate with a plurality of volumes of material, where each volume is capable of transmitting light from one location on a surface of the substrate to a second location. The present invention also relates to an article of manufacture having a motion detector with a substrate with a first surface, and a volume of material contained within the substrate and adapted to transmit light from a first location on the first surface to at least a second location. The present invention also relates to methods of making the articles and to methods of transmitting information and detecting motion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/694,481, filed 27 Oct. 2003 and entitled “Light Pipe ContainingMaterial”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/500,124, filed on Sep. 4, 2003. Both applications are incorporated intheir entirety by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to materials that passively detect motion andmore particularly to materials that include light pipes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motion detection has long been a desirable ability to possess. Numerouskinds of electronic sensors can be used to detect motion and typicallyinclude the sensor producing a beam of light (visible or otherwise) thatwhen broken, activates an alarm. However, such sensors are comparativelyexpensive and require electricity.

Light pipes generally are transparent and translucent materials that arecapable of transmitting light. Light pipes typically use internalreflection to transmit light. They have numerous different uses in themany different technologies including in the telecommunication industryand in the construction industry as decorative, architectural and/orbuilding materials. Light pipes, as the name suggests, pass light fromone location to another. For example, one approach has been to employ alight pipe to transmit light from the exterior to the interior of abuilding or from a central light source to a multitude oftelecommunication devices place remotely from the source.

There continues to be a need for a simple and cost effective motiondetecting device using light pipes, or other devices, particularly onescapable of transmission of light such as by way of internal reflection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article of manufacture for detectingmotion that includes a substrate with a plurality of volumes ofmaterial, where each volume is capable of transmitting light from onelocation on a surface of the substrate to a second location. The presentinvention also relates to an article of manufacture having a motiondetector with a substrate with a first surface, and a volume of materialcontained within the substrate and adapted to transmit light from afirst location on the first surface to at least a second location. Thepresent invention also relates to a light distributing material having alight pipe with a first end and a second end, and a matrix formed aboutthe light pipe into which the light pipe is embedded so that the firstend is substantially coplanar and flush with a first exposed surface ofthe matrix, the light pipe extends at least partially through and issurrounded over at least a portion of its length by the matrix and thesecond end is substantially coplanar with a second exposed surface ofthe matrix, where the light inputted into a first end of the light pipeis guided along the light pipe and emitted at the second end of thelight pipe.

The present invention also relates to methods of making the articlewhere the methods include creating a refractive index boundary between amaterial and a substrate to form at least one light pipe containedwithin the substrate, where the light pipe is capable of transmittinglight from a first location on a surface of the substrate to a secondlocation on the surface of the substrate.

The present invention also relates to methods of transmittinginformation by transmitting light through a plurality of light pipes ina substrate, where one of the light pipes transmits light from a firstlocation on a surface of the substrate to at least a second location.The method also includes interfering with the transmission of lightthrough the light pipe before the light arrives at the second location.This method may also be used to detect motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment where several lightpipes are embedded in a substrate.

FIG. 2 shows multiple views of another embodiment where the light pipesare cut from a mass of the substrate material, where FIG. 2 a shows aperspective view of the device; FIG. 2 b shows a top view; FIG. 2 cshows a cross-section along line C-C; FIG. 2 d shows a cross-sectionalong line D-D; FIG. 2 e shows a cross-section along line E-E, whileFIGS. 2 f and 2 g show alternate cross-sections along lines C-C and/orD-D.

FIG. 3 shows a process of making a motion detecting device in which thesections are cast.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment where the lightpipes are incorporated into a woven fabric.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention includes materials and methods for passivelydetecting movement as well as decorative, architectural and buildingmaterials and methods of making these materials, using them or both.

The motion detecting device of the present invention includes at leastone light pipe in a substrate, where the light pipe transmits light fromone location on a first surface of the substrate to another location onthe same surface of the substrate, to another surface of the samesubstrate, to a location on the surface of another substrate, or anycombination thereof. The light pipe transmits light from a point alongits length to one of its ends on a surface of the substrate. Preferably,the light pipe transmits light from one of its ends to one of its otherends in manner such that the surfaces are connected by light. The lightsource of the may be ambient light, from a visible light source, anon-visible light source, or any combination thereof.

By interfering with the light at one end of the light pipe, thatinterference is detectable at the other end of the light pipe as ashadow. If the interference is transient then the shadow appears andthen disappears, giving an indication of motion. Because the light pipeitself does not need to change position, it essentially passivelydetects motion.

With a visible light source, the shadow is detectable by the human eye.With a proper combination of materials, with a non-visible light source,the shadow may also be detectable by the human eye. In other situations,a separate sensor may be suitable for detecting the shadow whethervisible or non-visible to the human eye.

Stated more broadly, the method of detecting motion is a subset of amethod of transmitting information. Namely, in detecting motion, theinformation that an unseen object is approaching is transmitted from onelocation to another. Thus, the devices of the present invention aresuitable for use in a method that includes transmitting informationbetween two points. That is, the method includes interfering with lightthat is capable of being transmitted in a light pipe so as to transmitinformation, such as an optical signal, by way of the light pipe.Variations of this approach may be employed, such as manipulating thelight before, during or after the light enters the light pipe ormanipulating the light during or after it exits the light pipe.

The type and content of the information being transmitted can bemanipulated by controlling the length of time the light is interferedwith (e.g. an interference duration of a set interval or pattern ofintervals ranging from microseconds, to milliseconds, to less than 1second, to several seconds or longer), varying one or more patterns ofinterference (e.g. Morse code or other continuous or intermittent signaltransmission), inserting one or more objects or filters into the lightpath to provide the interference, manually, automatically, remotely,locally controlling the movement of the interfering object or filter,varying the source of the light, varying the intensity of the light,varying the wavelength of the light, varying the number of light pipesthat are in use, varying the number of surfaces and locations ofsurfaces that are connected by light pipes, any combination thereof orotherwise.

By way of illustration, perhaps the simplest method of interfering withthe light is to place an object between one end of the light pipe andthe light source. The nature of the object is not critical but the useof certain objects will help define the uses to which the material ofthe present invention may be put. For example, a computer mouse passingacross the surface of the substrate would indicate that the material, atthat moment in time, was being used as a mouse pad.

Other methods of interfering with the light, such as turning off thelight source, are also suitable. Also, the interference with the lightmay be partial or complete. For example, placing a colored buttranslucent object between the light pipe and the light source may beused to permit only a specified color of light to be transmitted by thelight pipe. Other types light filters may also be used to partiallyinterfere with the light such a polarizing gradients, IR filters, UVfilters, etc. and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, for the light pipe to transmit lightthere is a refractive index boundary creating internal reflectance oflight within the light pipe, allowing light to be transmitted along atleast a portion of the length of the light pipe. The boundary can beformed at the interface of the light pipe material and a substrate.Preferably, the refractive index of the light pipe is higher than therefractive index of the substrate. Alternately or additionally, acoating, sheath or other material on the light pipe can be used tocreate the refractive index boundary. Alternately or additionally, theboundary can be the result of a physical discontinuity in the lightpipe/substrate such as an edge, rim, lip, perimeter or border. In thisembodiment, the light pipe may be made from the same material as thesubstrate or at least from a material with the same refractive index asthe substrate. Any combination of these variations may also be employed.

The size and cross-section of the light pipe is limited only byavailable manufacturing techniques, although typically, the light pipeswill have length that is longer than their width, where the length isthe distance between the two surfaces connected by the light pipe. Thewidth of the light pipe may be anything from about a micron to aboutseveral centimeters. For example, light pipes of about 1 micron, about 5microns, about 10 microns, about 50 microns, about 100 microns, about500 microns and about 1000 microns are suitable, as are light pipes ofabout 2.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, about25 mm and about 50 mm. Light pipes are preferably consistent in sizeover their length, although the aspect may also vary, such that arelatively large light pipe decreases in size over it length or viceversa. The cross-section of the light pipe is preferably circular orrectangular, although any other cross-sections such as stars or hollowtubes are also suitable. Also, light pipes are preferably consistent incross-section over their length, although this is not necessarily thecase, such that a rectangular light pipe morphs into a starcross-section over its length. The transition from one cross-section orsize may be gradual or abrupt. In addition, the light pipe may be a filmsuch that it has a width that is substantially larger than itsthickness. Further, the use of a film would permit patterns oflongitudinal lines in the substrate formed by the light pipes. Forexample, a sinusoidal line may be formed in the substrate at either orboth ends of a light pipe. In addition, several different light pipes ofdifferent size, cross-section shape or material may be combined into alarger light pipe.

The shape of the light pipe within the substrate is limited only by theneed to have the light pipes transmit light from one point to anotheralong the length of the light pipe. Generally, U-shaped light pipes(when seen in cross-section) are preferred to transmit light from onelocation on the surface to another location on the same surface.U-shaped light pipes may also be used to transmit light from one surfaceto a generally parallel surface on the same on another substrate. Otherexemplary shapes for light pipes include L-shaped light pipes that wouldtransmit light from one surface to a generally normal surface on thesame substrate or another substrate. T-shaped and other branched lightpipes may be used to transmit light from one surface to a plurality oflocations on surfaces or from a plurality of surfaces to a singlelocation. Also, generally linear light pipes may be used to connect twodifferent surfaces of the same substrate or two otherwise opposedsurfaces. Any combination of the above variations is also possible.

In addition, the light pipes of the present invention may bediscontinuous along its length meaning that only portions of the lightpipe near its ends needs to have the refractive index boundary. In thisembodiment, the light being transmitted by the light pipe is initiallygiven direction by the refractive index boundary; however, as the lighttravels along the length of the light pipe, the refractive indexboundary ends, causing the light pipe and the substrate to become one.While some leaking of light into the surrounding substrate willinevitably occur, some light will also travels to other end of the lightpipe that has another refractive index boundary. This boundary causesthe light to again be directed.

Though light pipes of limited opacity may be employed in certaininstances, typically a preferred light pipe will be made of anytransparent or otherwise translucent material. Preferably, the materialhas percentage transmission of at least about 50%; more preferably atleast about 75%; and most preferably at least about 90%. Preferably, thematerial is at least partially amorphous or more preferably issubstantially entirely amorphous glass or a plastic such acrylates,methacrylates, polycarbonates, PET, polyesters, polyolefins, nylons,fluoropolymers and combinations thereof and combinations of glasses andplastics. The material may be flexible or rigid. The light pipe may be atube containing a transparent medium including being the same ordifferent as the substrate material which carries it, whether solid,liquid or gas. The tube may be sealed or open such that the ambient airis the transparent medium. Alternately, the light pipe may be formedfrom one or more films that are spaced from each other, wherein thespace is filled with a transparent material, including, optionally, thesubstrate material.

The light pipe material may be luminescent. For example, phosphorescentmaterial may be used such that the light pipe material glows in thedark. Alternately, fluorescent material may be used such the light pipegives off light in the presence of UV light, IR light or some othernon-visible light or electromagnetic energy. The light pipe material maybe neat or doped to achieve the desired luminescent quality.

In addition, the light pipe material may colored or doped with acolorant or other component to achieve a desired lighting effect. Forexample, one or more doping agents may be employed to alter the index ofrefraction, the strength of the light pipe material or the percentagetransmission of the light pipe. Further, the light pipe may be dopedthroughout its length or just a portion or portions thereof or it may bedoped throughout its cross-section or just a portion or portionsthereof.

Light pipes may also include a coating or sheath (transparent or opaque)designed to protect the light pipe from physical damage (e.g. abrasion)or from chemical attack (e.g. dissolution or infiltration by anundesired agent such as air, oxygen, oil, water, or the like). Forexample, several light pipes may be combined together into one cablesuch as a fiber optic cable where one protective sheath surrounds aplurality of light pipes.

One preferred approach is to employ a light pipe material that isrecyclable. Thus the invention also contemplates a step of recycling thelight pipe at the end of its useful life.

The light pipes may be made according to any conventional techniquesuitable for the light pipe material including casting, molding,drawing, extruding, glass rod forming or any suitable film formingtechnique.

As indicated above, the light pipes are preferably carried in asubstrate. The substrate may be made of any material that is compatiblewith the light pipe material. The substrate material or matrix may be acastable or moldable material, a metal, plastic, ceramic, composite,wood or wood substitute, fiber material for creating a fabric or alaminate (woven or non-woven), the same material as the light pipe, orany combination thereof. The resultant substrate may be flexible orrigid, transparent or opaque, or hard or soft to the touch. Iftransparent, the substrate material may have any of the qualities of thelight pipes such as being luminescent, for example phosphorescent orfluorescent. Preferred substrates, such as for use in architecturalapplications, include concrete, or other matrix materials suitable forproducing blocks, bricks or tiles, preferably capable of carrying loads,that incorporate at least one light pipe. Other suitable substratesinclude metals, alloys, plastics, silicones, thermoplastics, thermosets,ceramics, composites, laminates, polyesters, epoxies, and combinationsthereof including foams, gelatins and slurries. Suitable fiber materialsinclude natural and synthetic fibers for making clothing, fabrics orother woven or non-woven articles. Fiberglass, wood, fiberboard, othercomposite materials, and the like are also suitable substrates.

The surfaces including the ends of the light pipes may include surfacefeatures such as mounds, hills, other promontories, valleys, grooves,trenches or other basins. The surface features may be regular patterns,such as a sine wave, or irregular. In addition, the surfaces may bemicro- or nano-textured to alter the tactile or optical characteristicsof the surface, substrate or light pipe.

As indicated, one preferred method employs using ambient light as alight source for the light pipe. In addition to use with ambient light,the materials of the present invention may be combined with lightsources. The light sources may provide visible, UV, IR or otherfrequencies of electromagnetic energy. The light sources may be pointsources that illuminate only a portion of the substrate or thatilluminate only the individual light pipes or broad sources thatilluminate the environment generally where the device is placed. Thelight source may be transient, modulated or stable in it illuminationand may utilize a pattern of illumination such as areas of illuminationalternating with areas of shadow. The source may be periodic in itsillumination or it may be irregular. The light source may stationary,mobile, at rest or in motion. Plural light sources may also be utilized.In one embodiment, the motion detecting device and the light source arepackaged together.

The general method of manufacturing the motion detecting devices of thepresent invention includes creating a refractive index boundary betweena transparent material and a substrate to form a light transmission pathakin to a light pipe within the substrate. The creation of therefractive index boundary may be made by insert molding, injectionmolding, compression molding, rotational molding, casting, sintering,foam infiltration, impregnation with liquid, selective curing, weaving,laminating, and any combination thereof.

In one preferred method, the refractive index boundary may be made bycasting an uncured substrate material with a first refractive indexaround a transparent material that has a second refractive index. Thiscasting includes both casting the substrate around a pre-formed networkof light pipes and embedding light pipes in as of yet uncured mass ofsubstrate. In another preferred method, the refractive index boundarymay be made by cutting a light pipe into a mass of transparent materialthus making a boundary between the light pipe and the remainder of themass of transparent material, i.e. the substrate. In another preferredmethod, the refractive index boundary may be made by incorporating alight pipe into a fabric, whether woven or non-woven of other fibers orof other light pipes. The light pipes may also be incorporated intolaminates.

Turning now, in particular, to the accompanying drawings for furtherillustration, shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the motion detectingdevice 10 may include several light pipes 12, 14, 16 and 18 of atransparent material and a round cross section embedded in a substrate20. Light pipe 18 is shown in cross-section down its length andgenerally has a U-shape that connects a first location 22 on a firstsurface 24 of the substrate 20 to a second location 26 on the samesurface. Light pipe 14 is shown in cross-section and generally has anL-shape that connects a location 28 on the first surface 24 of thesubstrate with another location on a second surface of the substrate.Light pipe 16 is shown in cross-section and generally has an S-shapethat connects two opposing surfaces of the substrate. As can be seen,the light pipes may overlap each other or be woven together.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may be made by forming a mold in thedesired shape, e.g. a floor tile, for the motion detecting device,casting the substrate material into the mold and subsequently placingthe light pipes in the as yet uncured substrate material. The substratematerial is appropriately cured or allowed to cure on its own, providedthat any applied cure condition do not unduly adversely effect the lightpipes. Alternately, the substrate may be cast about pre-placed lightpipes. Such a casting method may be used to pre-fabricate tiles or tocast the tiles in place. In this method, one preferred embodiment, thesubstrate material expands on curing so as to provide a pre-stressedsubstrate that has increased strength compared to an un-stressedsubstrate.

As shown in FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the motion detecting device100 includes light pipes 102 that are of the same material as thesubstrate 104. The device is formed from a plurality of sections 106 ofsubstrate connected together where each section contains a plurality oflight pipes 102. The light pipes of the device, thus, generally runparallel to one another. Exemplary sections of the device 100 are shownin FIGS. 2 c and 2 d. In this embodiment, the light pipes are formed bycutting into a transparent material. The cuts form a refractive indexboundary between the portions of transparent material separated by thecut. Through cuts, partial cuts or combinations thereof may be used toform a section with one or more layers of light pipes in the section.The section shown in FIG. 2 c has two layers of light pipes made by twoseparate partial thickness cuts, while FIG. 2 d has a single layers oflight pipes made with through cuts. As can be seen, preferably, whenthrough cuts are used, a portion 108 of the transparent material is notcut, preferably near the edge of the transparent material. By notcutting through along the entire length of the light pipe, a connectionpoint is formed so that all the light pipes of the section are heldtogether. These uncut portions also provide physical strength to themotion detecting device. The uncut portion may also help to provide arelatively smooth surface to the device. In addition, to the U-shapedlight pipes seen in FIGS. 2 c and 2 d, linear light pipes 110 andL-shaped light pipes 112 may be used, as seen in FIGS. 2 e and 2 f.Further, the uncut portion 108 need not be at the surface, but may be inthe interior.

A variety of known cutting devices and techniques may be used to formthe light pipes within the substrate. For example, a computer controlledcutting machine such as CNC using a laser is preferable because of itprecision, ease of use and minimal loss of material due to waste. Waterjet cutters, routers, grinders and cutters with blades, manuallycontrolled cutting machines, and combinations thereof or the like mayalso be suitable. In addition, chemical methods may be used such asetching or photo methods such as photolithography.

A variety of known devices and techniques may be used to fasten togetherthe various sections of the substrate. For example, an adhesive may beused, as can mechanical fasteners such nuts-and-bolts, screws, nails,snap-fit connectors, etc. Also, the various sections may be heldtogether in a frame or by a clamp, such that force keeps the sectionstogether as a unit.

In another embodiment similar to the one shown in FIG. 2, the sectionsof the substrate may be cast. As seen in FIG. 3, a mold 200 of thesection is prepared and into which the casting material of the lightpipe is introduced. The casting material may be any suitable castabletransparent material including any of the transparent materialsdiscussed above. After curing, the light pipe containing section 202 isremoved from the mold 200. Preferably the mold is reusable, though itmay be disposable. The cast section may be trimmed or post treated asnecessary before being connected together with other sections to formthe motion detecting device 204. Casting may be preferable to otherforms of manufacture because it allows for rapid, repetitive productionof sections.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the motion detecting device300 may include light pipes 302 that are integrated into a substrate offibers 304. The light pipes are shown as woven with other fibers into afabric; however, the light pipes may be incorporated with other fibersinto a non-woven fabric or into a laminate, e.g. fiberglass.

The motion detecting device of the present invention has numerous usesas providing a visual cue of impending danger and as a safety device.That is, the device indicates, alerts or warns of an impending danger.In one embodiment, the light pipes connect two walls that meet at acorner, for example, where two hallways come together. As a person comesdown one hallway, the person block the light from entering the lightpipe, thus transmitting their shadow to the other end of the light pipevisible on the other hallway. This would alert a person in the secondhallway to the on coming person in the first hallway. This foreknowledgewould help prevent a collision or at least keep the people from beingstartled. Likewise, the same type of device could be used to alertdrivers of vehicles that are around blind curves or behind hills or indepressions in the roadway. In this embodiment, the motion detectingdevice is entirely passive, relying the person or vehicle to blockambient light to provide the indication of movement. In anotherembodiment, vehicle headlights illuminate one end of the light pipe toprovide the alert of on coming traffic.

In another embodiment, light pipes could be embedded in the road way aslane markers. At night, as car highlights hit upon the end of the lightnear the vehicle, the end of the light pipe far from the vehicle wouldilluminate, thus providing the driver with a visual cue as to the pathof the road even beyond that distance illuminated by the headlights.

The materials of the present invention may also be used in buildings aspre-fabricated wall, ceiling and flooring tiles, made-in-place tiles,other floor coverings, facade panels, pavers, bricks, siding, roofing,glass and concrete blocks, furniture panels, cabinetry panels,countertops, fabrics, rugs, carpets, wall coverings, room partitions,furniture, upholstery or window treatments (e.g. Venetian blinds). Thesematerials may provide either or both a utility and decorative functionto the article into which they are incorporated. For example, thesematerials may be used to include decorative designs, patterns orgraphics integrated into the articles. In addition, these materials maybe used in lighting fixtures.

As an example of a use of the invention as an architectural material,the devices may be incorporated into the wall, floor or ceiling of anentranceway. As flooring tiles, the devices may be cast-in-place tocreate a surface that is suitable for daily use. As wall coverings, thedevices may be fabric that is hung like tapestries or the devices may betiles secured to an underlying surface or structure. As ceiling tiles,the devices may be suspended like a drop ceiling or secured to anunderlying surface or structure. With additional light sources such aslamps or windows, the entranceway may provide an aesthetically appealingopening the office, building or residence.

These materials may also be used to provide natural light to theinterior of buildings, garages, underpasses, tunnels, etc. in order toreduce costs associated with lighting these locations.

In other embodiments, the materials of the present invention may be usein signage such as pedestrian, vehicle or bicycle activated billboardsand signage located in buildings, on buildings, in or on the roadway orsidewalk or located on freestanding supports. The signage may be usefulas temporary or permanent displays. Roadway signage and other safetyimplementations are particularly suitable uses for these materialsbecause the human peripheral vision is quite sensitive to movement. Inaddition, these materials could be incorporated into concrete barriersor bridge abutments.

Other safety related uses include use on stairs, sidewalks, curbs, orfloors as warnings of approaching people or objects or as warnings ofchanging levels. These materials may also be used around corners aswarning of approaching people or objects or used as parking guides forautomobiles in garages.

These materials may be incorporated into business cards, or othernovelty items that are given away as advertisements. Indeed, thesematerials may be incorporated into any item which currently serves as aplatform for advertising or decorative art work.

Moreover, the present materials may be incorporated in to credit cardsas a decorative feature or a functionality related to the insuring theauthorized use of the credit card. For example, a plurality of lightpipes can be individualized and embedded into the card with a particular‘signature’ that can be scanned and/or read by a sensor.

The present materials are suitable for water related uses such as infountains, aquariums, fish tanks, tubs, pools (above ground and inground), spas and/or Jacuzzis because they reduce dangers associatedwith using electricity in or near water. The materials may be suitablefor use in dinnerware, glassware and/or silverware. The presentmaterials may be used as containers or cases for other objects such asretail product containers and computer cases. Fabrics incorporatingthese materials may be made to any of the known uses for fabricsincluding as clothing.

One particularly suitable use for the present materials is in mouse padsfor optical mice.

It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of aplurality of components or steps may be combined into a single componentor step, or the functions or structures of one step or component may besplit among plural steps or components. The present inventioncontemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise,dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein arenot intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions orgeometries are possible. Plural structural components or steps can beprovided by a single integrated structure or step. Alternatively, asingle integrated structure or step might be divided into separateplural components or steps. In addition, while a feature of the presentinvention may have been described in the context of only one of theillustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or moreother features of other embodiments, for any given application. It willalso be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the uniquestructures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods inaccordance with the present invention.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present invention as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the inventionshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A light scrambling system comprising: a substratewith a first surface and a second surface; and a plurality of lightpipes adapted to receive and transmit light, wherein each light pipeincludes a first end on the first surface of the substrate and secondend on the second surface of the substrate; wherein the first ends ofthe light pipes have a first spatial relationship to one another,wherein the second ends of the light pipes have a second spatialrelationship to one another, and wherein the first spatial relationshipis different from the second spatial relationship thereby scrambling thelight received and transmitted by the light pipes.
 24. The lightscrambling system of claim 23 wherein the light scrambling system isadapted to allow light to pass through the system from the first surfaceto the second surface.
 25. The light scrambling system of claim 24wherein the light scrambling system is further adapted to scramble animage that passes through the system from the first surface to thesecond surface.
 26. The light scrambling system of claim 23 furthercomprising: a second plurality of light pipes adapted to receive andtransmit light, wherein each light pipe includes a first end on thefirst surface of the substrate and second end on the first surface ofthe substrate; and a third plurality of light pipes adapted to receiveand transmit light, wherein each light pipe includes a first end on thesecond surface of the substrate and second end on the second surface ofthe substrate.
 27. The light scrambling system of claim 23 wherein thelight pipes are unbranched and continuous such that there is a 1:1 ratioof first ends and second ends.
 28. The light scrambling system of claim23 wherein the light scrambling system includes at least four sides,wherein each of the sides defines a surface area, wherein the firstsurface and the second surface are the sides with the two largestsurface areas.
 29. The light scrambling system of claim 23 wherein thelight pipes are adapted to operate in the following modes: aninterference mode, wherein the first end is substantially blocked fromreceiving light into the light pipe and the blockage is detectable atthe second end as a shadow; and a normal mode, wherein the first end isnot blocked from receiving light into the light pipe and the light pipetransmits light from the first end, through the substrate, to the secondend.
 30. The light scrambling system of claim 23 wherein the lightscrambling system is adapted to be a building material.
 31. The lightscrambling system of claim 30 wherein the building material is selectedfrom the group consisting of pre-fabricated wall tiles, ceiling tiles,flooring tiles, made-in-place tiles, floor coverings, facade panels,pavers, bricks, siding, roofing, glass blocks, concrete blocks,furniture panels, cabinetry panels, countertops, fabrics, rugs, carpets,wall coverings, room partitions, furniture, upholstery, and windowtreatments.
 32. The light scrambling system of claim 23 wherein thefirst end of the light pipes is flush to the first surface of thesubstrate, and wherein the second end of the light pipes is flush to thesecond surface of the substrate.
 33. The light scrambling system ofclaim 32 wherein at least one of the first surface and the secondsurface further include surface features adapted to alter the tactileand optical characteristics of the surface, wherein the surface featuresare selected from the group consisting of mounds, hills, promontories,valleys, grooves, trenches, basins, micro-textures, and nano-textures.34. The light scrambling system of claim 23 wherein the light pipes areembedded in the substrate.
 35. The light scrambling system of claim 34wherein the substrate is a first material and the light pipes are asecond material that is different from the first material, wherein thefirst material has a lower refractive index than the second material.36. The light scrambling system of claim 35 wherein the substrate isopaque.
 37. The light scrambling system of claim 35 wherein thesubstrate is translucent.
 38. The light scrambling system of claim 35wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of concrete,plastic, silicones, thermoplastics, thermosets, ceramics, fiberreinforced plastics, thermoplastic composites, thermoset composites,ceramic matrix composites, organic matrix composites, and combinationsthereof.
 39. The light scrambling system of claim 23 wherein thesubstrate is comprised of a plurality of sections coupled together andat least one section contains at least one light pipe.
 40. The lightscrambling system of claim 39 wherein the substrate is transparent. 41.The light scrambling system of claim 39 wherein the substrate isselected from the group consisting of plastic, silicones,thermoplastics, thermosets, ceramics, fiber reinforced plastics,thermoplastic composites, thermoset composites, ceramic matrixcomposites, organic matrix composites, and combinations thereof.
 42. Thelight scrambling system of claim 39 wherein the plurality of light pipesare defined by at least one cut in the section and wherein the at leastone cut forms a refractive index boundary.